Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has placed local government units (LGUs), particularly in Northern Luzon and other hazard-prone areas, on heightened alert and ordered the immediate implementation of critical preparedness measures ahead of the expected entry of Super Typhoon ‘Bavi’ into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“Now is the time to prepare. We are directing all LGUs to move early, activate their disaster response mechanisms, and ensure that communities in high-risk areas are ready should conditions worsen,” the DILG said.

Earlier, President Marcos directed the adoption of a whole-of-government approach to mitigate the potential impact of the super typhoon, instructing national and regional disaster agencies to activate preparedness measures to protect lives, livelihoods, and property.

Based on the latest forecast of DOST-PAGASA, ‘Bavi’ is expected to enter the PAR between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday, when it will be assigned the local name ‘Inday.’ While current projections indicate a low probability of landfall, the weather disturbance is expected to intensify the Southwest Monsoon, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, flooding, and possible landslides across several parts of the country.

In an advisory, the DILG directed LGUs to closely monitor official weather bulletins, activate their Emergency Operations Centers and Incident Management Teams as necessary, identify flood- and landslide-prone areas, prepare for preemptive evacuations, preposition rescue assets and relief supplies, and ensure that evacuation centers are fully ready to receive affected families.

LGUs were likewise instructed to immediately clear drainage systems and waterways, inspect critical infrastructure, and intensify public information campaigns to encourage residents to prepare emergency go bags, monitor official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.

The Department also reiterated the strict implementation of Operation L!STO protocols and other rainy season preparedness measures, emphasizing that early action, sound coordination, and decisive local leadership remain the strongest safeguards against disasters.

“We expect every local chief executive to remain at their respective stations, lead from the front, and act decisively to protect lives and keep their communities safe,” the DILG said.